The Epitome of Algedonic Love

29: NON DUCOR, DUCO

"Non ducor, duco" is a Latin phrase which translates to "I am not led, I lead" in English. It highlights the idea that one should not merely follow the crowd but rather be confident and assertive and take charge of one's own life."

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❆ CLÍODHNA EISDRACHEN POINT OF VIEW ❆

We're on our way pabalik sa Alejandro-Palermo Mansion.

Nagising kami ni Hera late na nang umaga, it was 7 A.M na siguro nang magising kami dahil sa pag-ring ng phone ko.

Dad phoned me, asking me to go back home with Hera. Sabagay it's Saturday and supposed to be our alone time with Kuya, but I had a feeling that this wasn't just a casual call. Dad must have had something he needed to tell me.

Nang makarating kami sa bahay nasa sala na sina Dad, kuya and...Luther?

Kunot noo ko siyang tinignan, kinawayan niya ako na para bang ako ang bisita at hindi siya. He was holding a piece of toasted bread with melted cheese on top.

I held Hera's hand, deliberately doing so to show Luther that I finally succeeded in getting the girl whom I have loved since childhood. Gusto ko lang magmayabang.

Sawang sawa na ako sa kaka-asar niya saking single since birth. Well look at me now, girlfriend ko na ang matagal ko nang crush. Mainggit siya.

Umupo kami sa harap ni Dad, sa amin lang ni Hera ang upuan kaya maluwag. Yet, my gaze lingered on Luther, who not only chewed noisily but also dangled his feet on the sofa in an Indian seat. Feeling at home talaga ang taong'to.

"Do you want something to eat, wifey? I'll get you some. We haven't had breakfast yet." I said to Hera who was sitting quietly next to me.

"Hmm, no. Mamaya nalang" Maikling sagot niya.

"Clio" Kuya interjected, napatingin ako sa kanya agad pero hindi ako nagsalita.

"I'm going out of the country. I'll be staying there for months. I'll be accompanying my wi.. Ada and Kepler," he said, reaching for his coffee mug on the table.

My gaze softened as I listened and felt the sudden softness in Kuya's voice, not only in his tone but also in the atmosphere he conveyed. I cleared my throat and looked at Hera, who was also looking at Kuya Knight.

Hera held my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.

"Oh, so you have a child but you're not married? Wow, that's new. If only Lolo Pops could come down from the sky, he might just smack some sense into you for your foolishness," Luther taunted Kuya with a smirk, and it seemed to have an impact as Kuya's forehead crinkled and his eyebrows furrowed in response.

"Can you shut your fucking mouth? And don't act like you're not tarnishing the name of our family either. You're a walking defect, abnormal in every sense, you shithead," Kuya retorted, his irritation now evident in his voice.

"Whoa, that's below the belt. You swear way too much," Luther replied, grabbing another piece of toasted bread from the table. "I may be a playboy, but I make sure I don't impregnate someone and leave a mother and child behind," he added with a smirk. Kuya's expression turned even darker. I couldn't help but flinch as Luther's response hit below the belt as well.

"Another curse, and I'll throw both of you out of my house," Dad spoke up. Her face was as bored as ever, but her voice didn't carry any weight.

Agad na napaupo ng maayos si Luther at nakastraightb ng likod si Kuya. Nanahimik silang dalawa na parang mga batang napagalitan.